[6 Seventhmonth 726, Forrest Rhodes Point of View]
As I began to experience reality in the Windgarden’s basement, I remembered what today was – Arrjee’s birthday. He’ll level, something I know he has been excited about since the day we met. Then Ferret levels next week, and our whole party will be classed. Arrjee has known what classes he will be taking for quite a while, but last time Ferret spoke about it, he just said he ‘has ideas’.
Achievement: Level 8
Granted skills available: Athletic Kick, Athletic Leap
Choose now?
“I’ve been expecting that.”
Yes. Your Level 8 brake lifted during sixdays. Partial XP has commenced at Level 11, at a 34.3% rate.
“Why didn’t you level me during sixdays?”
Level what? During sixdays you are only mind. It needed to wait until you were mind and body again.
“Got it.”
I decided to not muddy Arrjee’s own leveling with distractions from mine. Making my leveling choices now will avoid that. I already read the description for Athletic Kick at Level 5, and I’ve seen Lenyet use it multiple times. I’ve also seen him leap, but I should read it.
“Please describe Athletic Leap.”
Athletic Leap grants you extra power to quickly bound over beings and objects. Capability improves with rank, agility, and strength. Rank F values:
Max Height: +1 foot
Max Range: +2 feet
Ki Cost: 7
SP Cost: 10
Recharge: 4 seconds
“Is the recharge from when I start or when I land?”
From when you land. The period decreases as you rank. Physical capability and costs increase.
Okay. Do I want a utility skill useful in or out of battle, or add a third attack to Ki Punch and Claw Strike? Lenyet got his Athletic Kick without a choice at Level 2 instead of my Claw Strike. I never asked him what he chose at 8, and he hasn’t offered any guidance. Both must be good choices.
I remembered the first day I met Lenyet Birch. He went with us on a hunt. There was a wounded, angry bear near the end, and my future Master leapt and flipped over all of us to get to it. I was really impressed.
“I choose Athletic Leap.”
Granted Skill: Athletic Leap, F
I reviewed my attributes. They’re still pretty balanced, the two not limited anyway. I need to keep giving a point to perception so it doesn’t fall behind. I’ve thought about boosting charisma and luck, but they are an even 12. Maybe at Level 9 when they are 12.5; from then on I could always keep them as whole numbers. So for now, I’ll stick with the earlier plan.
“Assign one free point each to perception, vitality, and endurance.”
Endurance: 29
Perception: 28
Vitality: 33
HP: 453/529
SP: 459/520
I went upstairs. No one was home. Asiel and Orian are probably doing something in the admin building. As I approached the door, I realized there was a short note affixed to it:
Administration Building
– Asiel
I walked over there, sort of, if intermittent running and leaping can count as walking. It’s fun! One and two feet don’t sound like a lot, but the extra push I get feels pretty significant.
I went inside, and it was obvious something significant was happening. There was a big meeting going on, and it was not even half past 4. Over half the seats were full, with the two wraiths I expected plus Ronkel, Dad, Uncle Ralf, Tiyana Yon, Harron Ronvaldt, and Runtel Trillet. The living were all wearing light armor. “Uh, good morning everyone, I hope. What is going on?”
Dad responded, “Two days ago, another representative of the Priestess arrived at the town gate. We need to decide on a course of action. Ralf, you were there. Tell him what you observed.”
He began at the start, seeing a horsewoman approach during his morning shift. That in itself was unusual. There is regular lone traffic all the time, such as Rhetta and Asha as they perform their mail rounds. But it is infrequent for a lone stranger to arrive. He described their interaction and his surprise at her abrupt departure after she realized she could not speak to the Mayor, him, and me at the same time.
“I agree with you, Uncle Ralf. It is pretty dodgy to require the presence of all three of us at once. But if she means to attack us, why would she specifically state it would be fine if Skawa were there?”
Master Trillet said that had been an ongoing question since. Ronkel added that if we chose to meet her, we would be backed up by senior personnel from Runtel’s adventuring guild and her thieves’ guild. Dad included senior guardsmen and his Nondescript Guard. Orian stated that he and Asiel would be there also. It had been part of the public announcement that Skolturi Wraiths would be part of the academy.
“She may or may not know about my nature,” Ronkel said. I’ll be there as well, but probably in the ‘Leknor’ human form Lord Rose last saw.”
The cleric stated half seriously, “You know, if events turn violent, they always go for the healers first.” The Master responded with a smile, “Which should give the rest of us time to react. Seriously, even if things did turn violent, I doubt she would have other targets than the Mayor’s family.”
A tripedal plushy doll crawled out of a non-existent hole at the center of the table. “Since she chose to specifically name me, I would be there as well, just not manifested.”
We all greeted him, and it’s likely everyone was comforted by that announcement.
The Mayor wanted to verify, “Skawa, is it your wish for us to meet with her?”
“This is an affair for mortals to decide. If you do meet with her, I will be there.”
Osiel thought aloud, “If we do all show up, she can view it as either a welcoming honor guard or as a somewhat aggressive show of force.”
“Or maybe both,” I added. “No, definitely both. My suggestion is that we do meet with her. A true emissary should appreciate the honor shown to her, and a cultist of any true wisdom would understand our caution. She did say she could have easily killed Uncle Ralf and Dad. My gut feeling is that it is true.”
Tiyana stated, “Mayor, Sir Rallee, the final decision is up to you. Do you feel it is wise to meet with her?”
Uncle Ralf looked at his brother. “I will if you will.”
“Since Forrest is okay with it, so am I. To view this encounter as only a threat would be an incomplete picture. There is an opportunity here to gain more knowledge about the Priestess and her cult. However, I am not saying that we should recognize her as an emissary before speaking with her. All I am willing to accept right now is to hold the meeting she requested.”
“Oh, and Son, congratulations on achieving Level 8.” Most of the others said much the same, and I thanked them. I let them know my new skill was Athletic Leap.
That was dumb. I think everyone in the room could see it with Analyze.
But now that you mentioned it, they can discuss it without any awkwardness. And perhaps not everyone looked that deeply.
One of the goals set for the adults attending training on campus is for everyone to reach at least Rank B in Analyze, Meditate, and Tactics. They decided these were fundamental ranks for being an aware citizen. So I had no doubt they could all see my granted skills and skill ranks.
I still need to use Analyze a whole lot to get there myself. I thought getting to C was good.
It was. And B is only 6918 uses away.
“Maybe I should commit to using it more than once every three minutes.”
You usually have sufficient ki to sustain a higher rate.
We spent another 40 minutes planning the details of our meeting with her. There were suggestions and counter-suggestions of all sorts, but in the end I was quite pleased with the approach we had decided to take. Just after 5 I excused myself to go to breakfast. They were still unsettled on some of the details, but I knew when, where, and how I would comport myself, and what to tell the other students. That was all I really needed to know.
As I thought, the two- and three-legged members of our gang were already seated in the academy cafeteria. Last week we had 14 accepted students, and it looked like there were further gains – at least, not everyone was familiar to me. Before I took a seat, Niscus stood and introduced me, pointing out the new people. At 15 she still held the highest level, making her the unstated student leader. I’m sure being an empath helped her to relate with everyone as well.
I’ve got to talk with that cat girl later. She is very young-looking.
Felina Grace – Human Emergent Catwoman, youthful, 9 stones
Level 5 Martial Artist, Mindsmith, 1783 XP worth
Student, [Learned Skills], 9 defeated
What is it with Earthlings and cat girls? Your fiction includes beastmen of all sorts.
“If you don’t know, you don’t know. Anyway, if she hasn’t met Grandma, she should. And I hope she and Ferret get along. They are our only two emergents so far.”
“Hey. Will she eventually be able to take Four Arms of Devastation?”
Yes, once it becomes available, and after she takes Telekinetic Arms as a prerequisite. Neither becomes available until Level 16.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.
“Dammit! That’s awesome.”
16 – that’s secondary, so her Mindsmith arms could be ranked sufficiently first. I’m pretty sure I’d take them right away, even not knowing what else was offered nor anything about a future tailor-made attack skill.
After the greetings, we sat. I was again congratulated on my new level, and I told them about Athletic Leap. They were curious to see it, and I told them I would show it off after breakfast. I wasn’t hungry, but I had acquired a taste for dampberry juice. It was fairly bland on its own, but as the majority flavor with almost any other juice, it was really satisfying. It was like Gatorade that actually tasted good. Like most sweet juices it left me a bit thirsty, but I can handle that by making water directly on my lip. It was a trick Swagger showed me.
I eventually told them about the meeting I attended in the admin building. They had all heard about the emissary, but they were surprised to hear about my key role later. I went on to explain what role the academy would have students play. The resultant giggles included my own.
Since I wanted to speak with Swagger before heading into town, most of the group headed to the corral first. I showed off Athletic Leap. From their polite reactions, I gathered it probably doesn’t look as good as it feels.
A second stable had been built, but at this time of the morning, he would usually be in the corral, not a stable, possibly grazing. Knowing him, he might well be training multiple skills right now. And grazing.
He saw us coming, and came up to the fence. We all greeted him. After that he said,
S: Forrest, I believe you will be pleased by the following demonstration.
Clear Mind active, check. He’d be gushing with excitement otherwise.
“Please show me.”
Some of the others in the group couldn’t quite hold in laughter, apparently knowing what he would do. He turned around and began running away from us, achieving a slow gallup. His arms extended from his shoulders, and at a point he held both of them stiffly forward, hands perpendicular, and kicked up with his hind legs. He pivoted on his forward legs and tucked his head toward his chest. His hands met the ground, then he kicked up with his forward legs. I’ll be damned if he didn’t flip completely over, back onto his legs. I could barely believe it.
“Was that an illusion of some sort?”
No. We observed a true hand flip.
FR: Swagger that was amazing!
I: I concur.
S: I know, right?! Right?! By keeping most of my mass in forward momentum, my arms barely need to support any weight. I haven’t found a practical use for it yet, but sometimes things are awesomely cool just by being.
He turned around and trotted back to us. I petted his head and everyone told him how astounding that was.
“Cartwheels I learn.” || I must learn how to do cartwheels. awed envy
“Together non-bipeds stick.” || We non-bipeds must stick together.
S: Yes, let’s show everyone!
Arrjee defended our honor. “Let’s all learn flips and cartwheels. Can you imagine other students and townspeople all observing us doing acrobatics together?” || serious proposal
“I agree. If my partner Swagger thinks it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing.” No one dissented, although Odd doubted that his mass would allow it. Earth elementals are pretty ponderous. We told him he could be our master of ceremonies if acrobatics weren’t possible.
But if a horse can do it …
Odd might well find a way.
After a little more discussion, I told them I needed to stop at our apartment and get my full set of armor. Everyone else but Swagger headed into town. I disbanded the party, but just before leaving I restated how amazing he was. He neighed, which was a good enough reply for me.
I donned everything, including my helmet and gloves. This was my first occasion to need the entire ensemble. Even on the two hunts we had on recent Tuesdays, I left them behind. Today had too many unknowns, however. If being the full soldier might help, I would do so. At the last second I decided to bring acolyte’s staff, thinking it would make me look even more official. I didn’t like the thing, but today called for it. My passive meditate protections had proved sufficient to enable me to handle it.
I headed for Dorra Marson’s schoolhouse. When my time came for the First Aid lesson, I removed the Helmet and gloves, and had the experienced students demonstrate various techniques to the younger and newer ones. Harron Ronvaldt had come around to accepting First Aid, and he shares what he knows to curious students and adults when I am not around. But today he had other matters occupying him.
I headed straight back to campus, fully outfitted, after my lesson was over.
----------------------------------------
Just about everyone from this morning’s meeting was outside the admin building. Master Trillet was accompanied by the two senior adventuring guildsmen who had come to Cottages to establish a branch. The same was true of Guildmaster Ronkel, but with high ranking associates of the thieves guild. Dad had brought four guardsmen, two duchy and two town, in addition to Uncle Ralf. Master Lenyet Birch was there as well, and I greeted him. He praised my appearance as a fine-looking soldier. Actually, everyone looked very impressive in their arms and armor.
Dad and Ronkel came over and asked me to accompany them into the admin building. We were alone. They then looked me over more carefully than Lenyet had. After all, I had the least hit points of anyone, and a surprise attack could easily fell me permanently. Well, Forrest-me. At one point she touched my cheek and looked in my eye. “Remember who you are. You will be fine.” Dad added his own encouragement with a hug. We came out and received several curious glances. I’m sure people wondered what was going on. I was enjoying the honest and heartfelt concern.
Osiel took charge and went over our plan making sure everyone understood their role. In the meantime, Dad formed a limited party which consisted of himself, Uncle Ralf, me, Interface, Rint, the three wraiths, Master Trillet, and Cleric Ronvaldt.
At 8:40 we headed off campus. The ‘honor guard’ was positioned in formal ranks near the village gate. Asiel, Orian, and Harron stood just outside the academy gate. The three who emissary had called for stood between them all. Dad called forth his twelve Level 33 nondescript guardsmen. They positioned themselves so that there were two staggered ranks of three directly behind him, and two straight ranks of three ahead and to the right and left. They were all armored and armed. We were as ready as we ever were going to be.
We saw a lone rider come around the bend in the road several hundred yards from town. When she saw us all, she stopped and raised her right arm in signal. Three other riders appeared and came up to her. She spoke with them for a minute, then continued alone toward us. She stopped her horse about three yards from our leading delegates and dismounted.
She spoke loudly, so everyone here could hear. “Hail and good wishes to all of you. I am emissary, sent by the Priestess to meet with you, and perhaps more. My mission is peaceful. My three associates are witnesses and will not interfere, regardless of what happens. For now, I simply hope for a mutually beneficial discussion.”
In accordance with our plan, Ralf Rallee was the first to speak. He did not do so at an elevated volume, however. He didn’t need to, because at that point I could just about hear a very low level noise – low enough that I wasn’t sure I heard it. If I didn’t know about it ahead of time, I wouldn’t have noticed.
“Emissary, it is good to see you again. We also hope for a peaceful encounter, and that those here will prove to be an honor guard celebrating your arrival. Our friend Asiel Windgarden –” he paused to indicate the wraith. “– will be amplifying our speech. We can all speak at a normal volume, just as I am doing now. We are within a field of amplification by location. As you had hoped, my brother and the Mayor, Barrie Silverstone accompanies me, as does his son, Forrest Rhodes.”
There were some short polite greetings, and then emissary got to the point. “I have a question for each of you three. Your answers will determine if I formally request to act as an envoy to the Village of Cottages and the Fifth Duchy Adventuring Academy. Sir Ralf Rallee, I will begin with you. Where did you get the text-imprinted jackets you wore in the presence of Lord Rose?”
“They were gifts from Skawa, just as they indicated. He had taken an action in front of a number of us that deeply frightened my young daughter Rina. That had not been his intent, and I believe he regretted it. Later he gave gifts to everyone involved by way of apology.”
“I am curious what your daughter got, but I am only allowed one question each.”
“Oh that’s fine,” Uncle Ralf broke in. “She received a beaded bracelet with a gold plate engraved with the text, ‘Skawa’s Friend’.”
He is proud of her.
Emissary smiled at that. Then, “Mayor Barrie Silverstone, what would you hope to gain for your village if I do become an envoy?”
“Primarily, I would like to establish a peaceful coexistence with the Priestess and her cult, one that may have substantive benefits later. This is not only with the village but the academy as well. Second, we would like to learn as much about her and her intent as you are willing to share. And finally, I would hope that the gods gain more information about her as well, even if the extent of that information is never shared with us.”
“I should have realized. You hope for her elimination.”
From nowhere and everywhere, “That is not what he said, emissary, nor is it our intent. We are fully aware of both aspects of the cult. On the one hand, it sews discord, confusion, and fear among the powerful. On the other it secretly provides relief to thousands in the event of natural disasters, plagues, and the like. We wish to understand her, not destroy her. On the third -” Skawa fully manifested slightly ahead and to the right of her, with his rear hand raised “– we are extremely curious. We know she is a Skolturi Wraith, but not who. Other than that we have no idea of how she accomplishes the things she does. In general, we do not intercede in the disagreeable affairs of mortals, not even dead ones. I am the worst of the lot, and even I do not seek her death.”
At that he lowered his arm, and then his whole body started lowering slowly into the ground. There was no hole, just him vanishing as he descended. Interestingly, his god voice had not been amplified, not that it needed to be.
“Forgive me, Skawa. Years of discrimination, misunderstanding, and caution led me to speak in ignorance. I do not say that as an excuse, merely an explanation.”
Yeah, who’s fault is that?
Relax, self, you didn’t know about any good things they did.
It is an unexpected combination of activities.
FR: Did anyone know the cult ever did good stuff?
No one did.
I guess that is where ‘secretly’ comes in.
She waited a moment in the event Skawa would reply. He did not. “I also beg your forgiveness, Mayor. Let us complete this, so we may determine if we can move our relationship forward..” Dad acknowledged with a nod.
“Young Forrest Rhodes, the Priestesses wishes that I tell you that she was quite impressed and even amused in your choice to speak to her directly, at least via Lord Rose. In further exploration of your thought process, she asks, ‘what question do you have of emissary?’”
“Give me a moment, please.”
“Of course.”
FR: We don't know what she is capable of, or even her level and classes. Would it be too mundane to ask her what they are, and demonstrate them via the shapeshifter rule?
I knew the shapeshifter rule from a previous conversation with Ronkel. An advanced shapeshifter can manifest a species’ traits and capabilities, but they cannot actually use someone’s class powers unless they also hold that class. So if someone is suspected of being a shapeshifter, they are asked to prove their classes by using three skills of each. Of course it doesn’t work if they are morphed into someone too young to have classes, but for adults it has proven to be a reliable test.
BS: It is specifically your question, son. I suspect it would be best if you chose the question without our interference.
I: I agree with Barrie.
Everyone else agreed, too.
FR: Okay, that’s it then.
“Emissary, we know nothing about you, or what potential danger you might pose. What is your level and classes? And please demonstrate three unique skills of each class.”
“The shapeshifter rule. Clever. Alright then, I am a Level 47 Potentate and Forcemaster.” She fully complied with the request. First she summoned her own 15 nondescript guardsmen of level 44 each. Dad whistled, impressed. Dad is definitely the better tailor, though. It was clear she hadn’t trained her tailoring very far.
“Forrest, I ask this simply to demonstrate Good Question, although I believe I have already done so. ‘What is your greatest fear?’”
“Oh, wow. Put me on the spot, lady. I fear failure, or more precisely the failure to acknowledge my failure. … I am satisfied that this power is like Dad’s, but stronger. It is almost like Reveal.”
Emissary then focused on the guards near the village gate. “Corval Hirsut, Sarf Branbush, and Lenyet Birch, take one step forward.” As commanded, three guards took that step. I think she chose the lowest level ones she saw. That would imply the power is less effective on higher level folks. I wondered what would have happened if she commanded something harmful. I don’t remember Dad ever commanding that way. Maybe it is a skill he doesn’t have yet.
“Mayor, I suspect you are satisfied I am indeed a Potentate.” He said he knew that when her guard appeared. “Okay, Forcemaster, then. Ralf Rallee, let me know when you want out.” A translucent bubble appeared around him. Both Dad and Uncle Ralf tried to penetrate it from opposing sides. They could not, at least not quickly and easily. He said he was ready to come out, and the bubble disappeared. “Intangible Bubble, gone.”
“Mayor, please jump up.” He did, but he continued to get higher until he was standing about 10 feet in the air. “Do you agree you are standing on a Force Pillow?” He acknowledged yes and slowly descended back to the ground.
“Now, where did I put my knife? Oh here it is!” She seemed to reach in front of her, and as she pulled her hand back, it held a fairly large hunting knife. “And here is a field ration,” which she held in one hand. She reached forward and pulled out a handful of coins. “Some pocket change. Bubble Pocket, that is. Does anyone doubt that I am a Forcemaster?” No one did.
“Forrest Rhodes, your question exhibited the kind of wise understanding the Priestess was hoping you would demonstrate. Ralf Rallee and Barrie Silverstone, your answers were more than sufficient. You have openly satisfied me completely, and I formally request to become an envoy to this place.”
The guard named Sarf Branbush walked forward from where he had stopped. He stood next to Forrest and removed his helmet. He looked exactly like Forrest, well, because he was Forrest. “Not completely openly, emissary. I am the real Forrest Rhodes.” At that, ‘Forrest’ touched my face again and released the false persona. ‘He’ morphed into a wraith-she and dropped her false persona as well.
“Forgive this partial deception, emissary. The question Forrest asked you was chosen by him, communicated to me via the party interface.”
“And when I asked Forrest about his greatest fear?”
“You were looking at me and meant whom you were looking at; you just did not realize I was not Forrest. You heard my greatest fear, not his. That was an extremely rude question to ask someone in public, by the way. I’m just too old to care.”
“You sounded just like me when you said, ‘Put me on the spot, lady.’ I would have said that exact thing.”
“Well, I have been around you a lot and am always observing. Plus, when I renewed my tactile impression of you, it was deeper than I normally go. I may have temporarily picked up aspects of your personality.”
Emissary lowered her head somewhat, and placed the fingers of both hands on her forehead. After several seconds she started gently laughing. After another few, she stopped laughing, dropped her hands, and lifted her head back up. She scanned the four of us in front of her. “I feel I should be angry at you for the deception, but I am not.”
“Of course you are not,” I said. “You specifically told Uncle Ralf, ‘Have whatever protection you deem meet’. We deemed this deception meet in the context of you casually claiming you could easily kill him and my Dad. My Level 8 doesn’t give me a lot of hit points compared to theirs.”
Dad said, “It is the truth. She could have killed just about anybody. But I have decided her request to become an envoy is sincere. We should continue our discussion in the campus administration building.”
BS: Everyone, please follow us.
I: Me too?
R.I: I’ll come too!
FR: Smartasses.
Aloud, Dad said. “The emissary’s honor guard is dismissed. Thank you for coming, and please continue with your normal affairs.” As everyone disbursed, it was obvious the amplification by location field had been dropped. I could see people talking but not hear them.
Emissary turned around to face her witnesses and raised her left arm. That dismissed them. Then she released her nondescript guards and Dad followed suit.